A Goldendoodle year in review seems like the perfect story to write on the first day of a new year…

Every year after Christmas (and if I’m lucky) before the 31st, I try to review, edit, and sometimes delete old posts that are not relevant with current content on my website. When doing so, I’m always fascinated to learn some of my favorite stories were favorites of yours as well. 

The Boys and I have made new friends in 2018, so for those who may have found us mid year and those who may have missed a story or two – I share some of “our” favorites with you…

FIRST QUARTER – 

It started in January, Jaxson was three years old and I noticed that my baby boy had turned into a BIG HEAD DOG. To me, his head looked huge! Intrigued, I did some online digging and found out that their size and shape can lend insight into their personalities and behavioral characteristics. #whoknew

By February – Beg Head Dog and Harley both fell hard for a Snoodle. Everyday their behavior made me laugh out loud as they raced to her fence to see who could get there first. It was truly a GOLDENDOODLE VALENTINES DAY LOVE STORY worth sharing because it was the kind of fluffy puppy love that could make grown men smile #anditdid…

The month of March brought in more than just wind. Environmental allergies began to flare up and Doods were sneezing, sniffling, biting, licking and chewing constantly. We spent more days than I wanted to at the vet’s which made me think about pet insurance.

Fully aware there are no provisions to cover pre-existing issues like allergies, I still wanted to know  – what are the best policies currently available? NOT ALL PET INSURANCES ARE THE SAME and I was grateful to find a helpful tool to compare them all.

SECOND QUARTER – 

We adore receiving mail from you…

Often, your questions are inspirations for a blog post. STRAIGHT COAT GOLDENDOODLES was a popular topic in April. Straight coat Goldendoodles have a stronger resemblance to the Golden Retriever. Unlike Jaxson’s loose fluffy hair or Harleys “afro-centric” curly hair, the straight hair Goldendoodle is smooth, straight and flat.

To peel or not to peel – that was THE GREAT APPLE DEBATE in May.  For the first time ever, our two different veterinarians had strong opinions about whether the Boys should eat the apple peel…

It’s been four years since Leo’s departure, yet during the month of June, I find myself unconsciously very melancholy. Living through a SUDDEN UNEXPECTED PET LOSS can be one of the most difficult and incredibly painful experiences of a person’s life. I know – I have lived it.

THIRD QUARTER – 

HOME RENOVATIONS WITH DOGS is a beast, especially in the South, in July, with no air conditioning. Between the chemicals and equipment noise, the dust, nails and tools – I worried about their normalcy and safety. Finding ways to keep them stress free was a challenge.

Never in my wildest Doodle Mom dreams would I have thought I could be WORKING WITH MY DOGS. But in August, wildest dreams did come true. Monday and Wednesday’s – Jaxson’s on duty. Tuesday and Friday’s it’s Harley’s day at the hospital. They are hard working Therapy dogs who share my office space and roam the halls of the largest Medical facility in the state of South Carolina…

In September HURRICANE FLORENCE drove me Doodle nuts with her inconsistencies about her exact arrival. This would be my third hurricane scare since our move to SC, and I treat each one like it’s the “big one.” I always activate my preparation plans whether I’m staying or leaving. Do you have an emergency evacuation plan?

FOURTH QUARTER – 

In the past 9+ years I’ve watched many a grooming session. I have even washed a doodle or two. But in October, I stepped into A PET GROOMERS WORLD, and followed the procedures of a groomer from start to finish. I almost cried in the middle of the first wash. #IthoughtIwasgoingtodie

Harrison Ford the actor, starred in a movie as a surgeon who was shot in a convenience store robbery and had to experience life as a patient. That was me in November. While riding my bicycle to work I was struck by a car. After my ambulance ride to the ER, as I waited for the X-ray results I experienced THE OTHER SIDE OF PET THERAPY. It was a moment I shall never forget,

For the Bennett family, December is exciting from beginning to end because the 31st is Jaxson’s birthday. In 2018 Jaxson stepped into his fourth year of life and I don’t think it’s going to change him one bit. He’s as stubborn as ever and playful from sun up to sun down. Still pulls me around the park, greets people at the door with my tennis shoe in his mouth, whines when he can’t find me, rides in the middle of the console of the car and has yet to find his friend PATIENCE. But he’s the Ying to Harley’s Yang and I can’t imagine him any other way…

Thank you for sharing in all our adventures –

In 2019 let us all start living the life we imagined ❤️